precatechumenate
|pre-cate-chu-me-nate|
/priːˌkætəˈkjuːmɪnət/
stage before formal catechumenate
Etymology
'precatechumenate' originates from ecclesiastical Neo-Latin, ultimately built from Latin 'prae-' (meaning 'before') + Greek 'katechumen-' from 'katechoumenos' (meaning 'one being instructed').
'precatechumenate' was formed in English from ecclesiastical Latin/Neo-Latin 'praecatechumenatus' (or similar formations), combining 'prae-' + 'catechumenate', and entered English usage to name the stage preceding the catechumenate.
Initially it referred specifically to the formal Latin/Church designation for the stage before the catechumenate; it has retained that specialist ecclesiastical meaning in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the preliminary period or stage of informal instruction and inquiry that precedes the formal catechumenate in Christian initiation.
Candidates spent several weeks in the precatechumenate before being enrolled as catechumens.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a group of inquirers or seekers undergoing that preliminary stage prior to formal instruction or initiation.
The precatechumenate met weekly to discuss faith and community life.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/02 08:07